Chromatography Forum

Hi all,

Has anyone attempted to use a thinner film than 1.4 um for 1,4-dioxane by EPA 522? We are setting up a new instrument (6890/5973) to run PAH by 8270 and 525. If 522 by a 1.0 um column is feasible, I'd like to give it a shot as our subcontract lab for 522 is quite slow. Otherwise we'll stick with 0.25 um and enjoy the shorter run times for 525/8270.

Thanks.

We used the Rtx-624SilMS column for 522 for 1,4-Dioxane. You may be able to see it with a thin film 5 phase column but I think it will be difficult to separate it from the solvent peak, you need a phase a little more polar to retain it. The newer method EPA541 uses a Wax column for 1,4-Dioxane and other alcohols and works well.

I would say give it a shot and see what happens, can't damage the column and the standards are not expensive. You will need to start with the oven temperature as low as possible I think though.